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  Judges 2:10-11  After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals . Talking to a young girl the other day opened my eyes to the generation gap that impacts our culture and the church. She was 13 and listening to music on her MP3. I ask her about the kind of music she liked and after we talked a while it was clear that she had never heard of Coldplay and Bocelli and I had never heard of her groups. We talked a little more about faith and related things and the gap grew even wider. Music, media, entertainment, technology, and so on has changed dramatically. Just a simple task like filling up at the pump is a challenge for some. Time has changed things because people change. Sports legends and movie stars give way to a new generation of the young and talented. A friend said to me that he believed local l

Ask Him... I've challenged many to honestly pray, ask God if He is there, and if so...help guide them to know what they should do. The bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11 He (God) has set eternity in their hearts. I have come to believe that every person comes into this life with a natural desire to know God. Pascal wrote that in every heart their is a God shaped hole that only God can fill. All people, from all walks of life and cultures, will at one time or another think about eternity and the possibility of standing before the creator. It may be when they were very young and soon forgotten...but not long forgotten. The urge to look heavenward and revisit the question of God and eternity may surface many times in life. Exodus 34  The LORD!       The God of compassion and mercy!    I am slow to anger       and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.   7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.       I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. God doesn

Romans 12:10  Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another Kindness that is affectionate is different from any other routine courtesy. Its a special form of loving kindness. Tender, like the love of a parent toward a child. This verse became clear to me while watching Hailey and Alora.  Seeing them interact is joyous and entertaining. You might see them play pic-a-boo, hide and seek, or maybe a tickle game. There's one thing for sure you will see from the two of them; a thousand hugs and kisses.  Alora is at that stage where she may be walking by you; stop dead in her tracks and plant a nice wet smooch on you; with out warning; right on the lips...! She's not shy in loving on her family. This sort of familial affection is described in this verse.  A kindness that originates and is rooted in love...like family.  A sentiment that is not hesitant to greet with a holy kiss, warm hug, or tender touch. Its easy to s

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. People that radiate kindness and gentleness are priceless to any organization, business, or ministry. It's a proven fact that people are more likely to wait in line at the grocery store for the happy, kind, and pleasant cashier instead of the no line where the rude cashier awaits. For the saint of God these virtues are natural; born of the spirit; designer genes that reflect His presence in your life. The garment of praise identifies us.  His joy has made you glad; His love makes us kind; His grace makes us humble. Each day we are covered in the blanket of His likness. Our adversary, the devil, has his wardrobe as well. Complaining, gossip, arguing, and rudeness are just a few of his accessories he wants you to wear today. Another snare of his is to always be in a hurry. Have you noticed that more than ever before peo

2 Corinthians 10:12 &18  We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. Living in this lopsided world presents many challenges for the redeemed. For this reason we resign our life to know Gods word, to watch and pray, and keep our eyes on Jesus. We are citizens of heaven yet we are vulnerable to worldly ways...because we live here. A believers mark of maturity is to know that God our father has HIS way and truth inscribed on our heart. Its surprising how often we succumb to others evaluation of us and our success. We measure our achievements to those of our peers; we then commend ourselves by how much or little we've accomplished compared to others. Doesn't sound like a smart thing to do for someone who is royalty. You are uniquely Hi

 Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Its difficult to understand the mind of the Lord and why He chose Enoch and Elijah to exit the world in this fashion. My hunch is that we haven't heard or seen the last of the two remarkable men. Their stories are amazing. In regards to Enoch, there are only 3 substantive references to him in scripture but... they are insightful verses. There is a similarity in that Enoch and Elijah preached righteousness during extremely dark and difficult times. From what we read in scripture, very few heeded their message...irregardless, they were faithful. Enoch in particular lived during a period in which the bible says God was grievous over the wickedness of mankind. Jude 1:14  Enoch, the seventh